There’s just something magical about combining crispy, marshmallow-y treats with the festive crunch of peppermint and swirls of chocolate. This Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to make during the holidays – it’s easy, addictive, and absolutely delivers on that cozy winter vibe.

The image shows square treats layered with three visible parts: the bottom layer is a light beige crispy rice cereal, soft and airy, the middle layer is a dark brown chocolate drizzle with a glossy look, and the top layer is a white drizzle with small crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces sprinkled all over. The treats are arranged on a white marbled surface, mixed with small whole peppermint candies scattered around, adding a festive red and white color contrast. One treat is held by a woman's hand showing the porous texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how simple and festive this treat is. Every bite melts in your mouth with that perfect mix of sweet marshmallow, crunchy candy cane, and rich chocolate. It truly feels like a holiday hug in dessert form.

Easy and Quick to Make: You won’t believe how fast these come together, especially when life feels hectic during the holidays.
Deliciously Festive Flavors: Peppermint and chocolate elevate classic Rice Krispies treats to something extra special.
Great for Gifting: These treats make perfect homemade gifts or party snacks that everyone will rave about.
Customizable Fun: You can tweak crunch, chocolate types, or peppermint intensity to make them exactly how you love.

The image shows a stack of two square rice cereal treats with a light, crispy texture and beige color. The top layer is covered with a shiny, dark chocolate coating that has small bits of red and white candy sprinkled over it. Pieces of white marshmallow are baked inside the treats, visible within the beige layers. The treats are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a few striped red and white peppermint candies lie beside them. In the background, blurred cereal treats can be seen, with a clear glass bottle featuring a red stopper adding some height. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses pantry staples but adds a few festive twists to make each bite shine. Understanding why each ingredient shines helps you tweak to your taste or substitute smartly when needed.

Flat lay of a small square pat of salted butter, a generous pile of miniature white marshmallows, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of puffed Rice Krispies cereal, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, a small white bowl of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of chopped white chocolate chunks, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly, plus that little salt touch balances sweetness beautifully.
Miniature Marshmallows: The glue that binds everything together with that classic chewy texture we love in Rice Krispies treats.
Peppermint Extract: A concentrated peppermint flavor that perks up the whole treat without overwhelming it.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The crispy foundation that gives those satisfying crunch bites every time.
Crushed Candy Canes: Provide a festive crunch and refreshing peppermint zest throughout the treats.
Dark Chocolate: Adds a deep, slightly bitter contrast that enriches the sweet flavors and pairs perfectly with peppermint.
White Chocolate: Offers a creamy sweetness and pretty visual contrast when drizzled on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Over the years, I’ve played around with a few tweaks to this Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe to suit different occasions and personal cravings – and I encourage you to do the same! It's all about making it feel special to you.

Add Nuts: I love folding in chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch, especially when gifts call for a bit of texture.
Dark Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Swap out white chocolate for more dark chocolate or even bittersweet for a richer bite – trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Extra Peppermint Punch: Feel free to increase the peppermint extract or add crushed peppermint oil drops for a minty blast during peak peppermint season.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you choose certified gluten-free Rice Krispies, perfect for your guests with sensitivities.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space & Candy Canes

I always start by lining a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper – it makes clean-up and getting the treats out so much easier. Then unwrap your candy canes and crush them into bits. You want a mixture of fine and medium pieces to get both an even distribution and little pops of peppermint crunch.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully melted but not browned. Then lower the heat, add most of your marshmallows (saving about 1 cup for later), and stir gently but continuously. Watch closely—the marshmallows should melt smoothly with no lumps. This step is crucial for getting that perfect stretchy texture without burning anything.

Step 3: Mix in Peppermint and Cereal

Remove the pot from heat immediately once the marshmallows are melted. Stir in the peppermint extract carefully—you don’t want too much or it’ll overpower the whole treat. Next, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and 2 tablespoons of your crushed candy cane pieces along with the reserved marshmallows. This keeps the texture extra chewy and interesting.

Step 4: Press Into the Pan without Compacting

Transfer your mixture to the prepared baking dish and gently press it down to spread evenly. Use your hands wrapped in buttered parchment or an empty butter wrapper to press firmly but don’t pack it too tight – you want those crispy air pockets to stay intact for that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Drizzle and Decorate with Chocolate and Candy Cane

Melt dark and white chocolate separately in short microwave bursts, stirring often to avoid burning. Drizzle both chocolates over the top in a pretty, swirled pattern. Before it sets, sprinkle over the remaining crushed candy canes to add sparkle, crunch, and festive flair.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Let the whole pan cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate is set and the treats firm up. Once ready, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy! Patience here pays off with clean cuts and less mess.

Top Tip

From making these treats dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep your Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe perfectly textured and beautifully festive every time.

Butter Your Hands or Tools: Pressing the mixture without sticking is way easier when you coat your hands or a spatula with a little butter first.
Low and Slow Melting: Melt your marshmallows on low heat and stir gently to avoid scorching or grainy texture.
Crush Candy Canes to Size: Aim for varied candy cane pieces—some finely crushed to blend well, some chunkier for crunch bursts.
Chocolate Melting Patience: Melt chocolate in short microwave bursts with stirring, or use a double boiler for silky smooth chocolate drizzle.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

peppermint bark rice krispies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these treats with a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes or even a few festive colored sprinkles if I’m feeling extra cheerful. Sometimes I add a tiny bit of edible glitter for holiday parties—it’s simple but makes a fun statement that guests appreciate.

Side Dishes

These treats pair perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiced coffee. For a party, I like serving them with a cheese and fruit platter to balance out the sweetness. They also play well alongside other holiday cookies or a bowl of fresh berries for a pop of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I’ve wrapped these treats individually in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white twine, which makes a charming gift or party favor. Layering them on a decorative tray with pine sprigs or placing them in festive boxes elevates the presentation instantly. I’ve even cut them into heart shapes with cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day twists!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to five days, which is just enough time for everyone to sneak a few more bites.

Freezing

I like to individually wrap leftover squares in plastic wrap before freezing. This way, they don’t stick together, and I can pop out just one treat at a time. They freeze well for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To warm up a treat, I microwave it for about 15 seconds to soften the marshmallow slightly and revive that gooey texture. Just be careful not to overheat or melt the chocolate topping too much—you want a perfect balance of melty and firm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular peppermint extract or does it have to be special?

Regular peppermint extract works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to measure carefully because flavor extracts can be quite strong, and a little goes a long way to avoid overpowering the treats.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for the recipe?

I find placing the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently smashing them with a rolling pin gives you nicely varied pieces without making a mess. Avoid pulverizing them into powder to keep some satisfying crunch.

Can I substitute mini marshmallows for large marshmallows?

Yes, you can use large marshmallows, but it might take a bit longer to melt them down evenly. Break the large marshmallows into smaller chunks to help them melt faster and avoid scorching.

How do I avoid the Rice Krispies treats from becoming too hard?

Avoid overcooking the marshmallow mixture or packing the cereal too tightly into the pan. Press the mixture gently and remove from heat as soon as marshmallows are melted to keep your treats soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies Treats Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking because it’s a quick way to bring everyone together around something so cozy and festive. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing them as I do—they’re a surefire way to add a bit of magic (and a lot of smiles) to any gathering!